Underestimate the Suns at your peril. Far from being the doormat most preseason observers had predicted, they’re thriving despite one of the league’s toughest schedules and a roster that, at least on paper, doesn’t seem like it should work. It has so far, however, with the unorthodox but hugely productive backcourt tandem of Eric Blesdoe and Goran Dragic — remember him? — leading the way to what could be their first playoff appearance since 2010.

Where the Suns excel

The Suns’ pace has dropped off to the middle of the pack, but they remain one of the more productive and efficient offensive teams in the league. They rank ninth in 3-point shooting (37.5 percent), fifth in 2-point shooting (50.6) and fifth effectively (52.3). Leading the NBA in fastbreak scoring (19.7 points per game) also helps.

Where the Suns struggle

Despite their success at the 3-point line (33.2 opposing percent, fourth), the Suns aren’t a particularly good defensive team. Miles Plumlee’s shot-blocking hasn’t been enough to prevent foes from scoring nearly 46 points per game in the paint, fifth-worst. They also give up a ton of free throws, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue against the Spurs.

Key matchup

With Parker sidelined, the Spurs have not one but two matchup problems with Dragic and Bledsoe. The former is one of the league’s craftiest players, while the latter is athletic enough to have scored more than half his buckets at the rim. Sans Parker, the Spurs will counter with some combination of Manu Ginobili, Marco Belinelli and Danny Green.